Plizio Visual Lab

Krafla

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Weather…

Krafla is a highly active volcanic system in northern Iceland, located about 15 kilometers northeast of Lake Mývatn. The system features a central caldera roughly 10 kilometers wide and a 90-kilometer-long fissure swarm situated directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. A key landmark is the Víti crater, formed in 1724 during the massive 'Mývatn Fires' eruption, which now contains a striking opaque blue lake. Between 1975 and 1984, the area experienced the 'Krafla Fires,' a series of nine volcanic eruptions that dramatically altered the landscape with fresh lava fields and massive ground fissures. Today, the area's geothermal energy is harnessed by the Krafla Power Station, which was completed in 1977 as Iceland's first major geothermal plant. Visitors can hike through the Leirhnjúkur area to witness still-steaming lava and boiling mud pots, providing a close-up look at the planet's internal heat. Krafla remains a vital site for scientific research into volcanology and sustainable energy production.

Location: Iceland
Top sights: Krafla · Graddabunga
Nearby: Mývatn Nature Baths (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-6	-5	-3	1	5	7	6	3	-1	-4	-6
Rain mm	83	67	78	69	72	59	81	84	104	103	100	95

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This massive caldera is situated in the north of the country and is generally reached by a short detour directly from the Ring Road. A fully paved road typically leads past a geothermal power station straight up to the main crater parking area.

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Best season

The area is broadly accessible from late spring through early autumn, offering the best conditions for walking the volcanic trails safely. Winter snow can occasionally completely block the higher access roads, though the lower geothermal fields remain active.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape is characterized by expansive, barren lava fields, steaming ground, and deep explosive craters filled with vivid blue water. Walking tracks range from flat wooden boardwalks over mud pools to rough, uneven paths across jagged lava.

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What to bring

Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are deeply necessary to safely navigate the sharp, uneven volcanic rocks and pumice. A strong windbreaker is also highly recommended, as the elevated caldera is notoriously exposed to relentless, biting winds.

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Parking

Visitors will usually find a designated, fully paved parking lot situated right next to the famous Viti crater at the top of the access road. An additional lower parking area generally serves those extensively exploring the Leirhnjúkur geothermal field.

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Safety

It is absolutely crucial to remain strictly on the designated trails due to the thin crust hiding boiling subterranean mud and steam. The surrounding lava flows can also be razor-sharp and incredibly brittle, presenting a significant trip and fall hazard.

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Time needed

Exploring the main crater rim and the nearby heavily smoking lava fields usually takes between one and a half to three hours. Geology enthusiasts might easily spend a half day walking the wider trails to fully appreciate the dramatic volcanic history.